Mason Dixon: Basketball Disasters
#3 of 3 in Mason Dixon Series
on Goodreads (56)
What’s inside...
Here's the third entry in Claudia Mills' charming middle-grade series. Mason Dixon survived the school choir and adopting his now-beloved dog named, uh, Dog. But now he faces his biggest challenge yet: joining the local basketball team. Not by choice, his parents encourage it and his dad even volunteers as his coach. With his best pal Brody and a team of misfits even worse at basketball than him, Mason must try to rally to beat his arch-rival, the school bully named Dunk. Just another day-in-the-life of a disaster-prone fourth grader.
Discussion points
What do you think Mason learned about teamwork and friendship by the end of the story?
How did Mason handle his challenges and setbacks in basketball? What would you have done in his place?
Why do you think Mason continued playing basketball even though he faced many difficulties?
How do the characters in the book demonstrate the importance of persistence and courage?
Can you relate to any of Mason’s experiences? How would you handle a similar situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to imagine themselves in Mason’s shoes and discuss different choices they might make. Highlight the themes of perseverance and teamwork, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face. Validate their feelings and experiences as they make connections between the story and their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The protagonist, Mason Dixon, learns the importance of teamwork as he navigates his basketball team's challenges and dynamics.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers in group projects or team sports, recognizing that collective effort often leads to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Failure
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mason faces various setbacks and learns to cope with his basketball mishaps, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in teaching children that failure is a stepping stone to success and not something to be feared.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Practice
Explanation: Mason Dixon's improvement in basketball highlights the value of consistent practice and dedication.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to persistently practice their skills, whether academic, artistic, or physical, to see improvement over time.
Example Lesson: Sportsmanship
Explanation: Mason displays good sportsmanship by treating his teammates and opponents with respect, regardless of the game's outcome.
Real-World Application: Children learn to treat others with fairness and respect, fostering a healthy and positive environment in both sports and daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: As Mason conquers his apprehensions about playing basketball, the narrative encourages facing and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own fears and anxieties, whether it’s trying out a new activity or standing up in class to give a presentation.